The Republic of Ireland's preparations for next month's crucial European Championship qualifiers were hit by a double injury blow at Lansdowne Road last night.
Republic boss Brian Kerr was forced to withdraw Matt Holland early in the 2-1 friendly win over Australia then saw star striker Robbie Keane stretchered off in first-half injury time.
Both players are thought to have sustained ankle ligament damage and, although early signs suggest they are not particularly serious, Kerr faces an anxious 48 hours with the clashes against Russia and Switzerland looming.
Keane turned his right ankle while shooting at Mark Schwarzer and immediately fell to the ground.
Kerr said: "Robbie is quite sore at the moment but we won't know how serious it is for a couple of days.
"Matt Holland has a slight twist of his ankle and felt sore and I took him off immediately. I would say they are both ligament problems."
Kerr was delighted with his side's comeback win and reserved special praise for goalkeeper Nick Colgan and second-half substitute Ian Harte.
Kerr's six-match unbeaten record in charge looked in grave danger after Mark Viduka put the impressive visitors ahead in the 49th minute.
And only an heroic stop by Colgan on his full debut, when Viduka was clean through on the hour, prevented the Australians from extending their lead.
Harte's introduction helped change the game, with a superb free-kick finding the head of John O'Shea for his 74th-minute equaliser, and an equally precise through-ball allowing Clinton Morrison to convert the winner 10 minutes from time.
Kerr said: "Ian Harte's delivery of the ball was very good and it was one of the things that changed the game.
"Nick was nervous because he hadn't got much experience up to now but I'm delighted for him.
The Republic of Ireland Under-21s pulled off a superb 5-1 win over their Polish counterparts in Gdynia.
In front of a paltry crowd of 1,500 it was the Irish who totally dominated the day with Stephen Elliott bagging a hat-trick at the Arka Stadium.
Elliott opened the scoring after just two minutes but the Poles hit back some 11 minutes later through Pawel Abbott.
Wes Hoolahan restored Ireland's lead after 28 minutes and then in the closing 16 minutes the Irish ran riot with three goals.
John O'Flynn made it 3-1 and then Elliott completed his hat-trick with goals in the 81st and 87th minutes.